Magical Grand Gathering

[Nanajo1]

Has any DVCer done a Magical Gathering? We will be 10 adults, 3 children 3-6 and 6 children 1-2. I got Magical Gathering Number but other than the expensive Tours are there other benefits? Will they help with PS or do I go through Group Dining? I'd appreciate any feed back if you've done a Magical Gathering.
Thanks

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

We have done it and yes they will help you with your priority seatings. They will even help you get more than one PS if all of the members of your parrty don't want to go to the same place. They are very helpful. You really should look at the "Wishes Cruise". It is amazing and not bad at $29.00 per person.

HBC

 

[amandaC]

We did the International dinner and Illuminations dessert.
IMHO, it's not worth it. It was $59/adult and I think $39/child. Started at 7:30. We were there at 7:10 but didn't get seated until 7:50 and therefore had less than 1 hour to eat and enjoy the entertainment. Beverage service was slow (only nonalcoholic drinks incl). Food was okay. Entertainment was great for the kids- Goofy and Minnie stayed for awhile. Then we moved to a private viewing area for Illuminations. This part was wonderful- excellent view! Food again OK.
Amanda

 

[quadaunt]

We did the International dinner and Illuminations dessert.
It was $59/adult and I think $39/child.

The Grand Gatherings IllumiNations Dinner and Dessert Reception is $59.99/adult (ages 10+) and $19.99/child (ages 3 - 9). I'm not quite certain why they don't just round it up to $60 and $20.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We didn't enjoy the Epcot International Dinner and Illuminations viewing. There was only 1 bench in the area we were sent to view Illuminations from, and there were probably 150 people in that area. So, space by the fence was at a premium. It wasn't any different than lining up in any area surrounding the water. It certainly didn't feel like VIP viewing of Illuminations to me, because we had to stand. However, the angle was perfect.

Mom was too apprehensive to do the Wishes Cruise, she doesn't swim, and being on a boat at night wouldn't be fun for her. However, we're thinking of doing a grand gathering for our 40th anniversary and we would pick the Wishes cruise.

Because we had 14 people for some meals we did work with Group Dining, and they were very good at getting us PS.

We had a most wonderful time at our gathering, and it was magical, but not because of the Epcot event.

Bobbi